Culture

MohBad: 5 Songs That Sum Up Late Nigerian Afrobeats Singer’s Shortlived Artistry

BY Dora Abena Dzaka October 5, 2023 8:35 PM EDT
Photo Source - Instagram: @iammohbad
Photo Source - Instagram: @iammohbad

Nigerian artiste, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, professionally known as MohBad, passed away on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27.

In an unexpected turn of events, the former Marlian Music star has now become more popular after his untimely demise with three of his songs making it to Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart.

The Beast and Peace crooner took to No.2, No.5, and No.8 spots on the Billboard Top 10 music chart.

The talented artiste is also making waves – even though posthumously – on Africa’s music streaming platform, Boomplay where he officially hit 100 million streams, joining the likes of Wizkid, Davido, Fireboy DML, Joeboy, and Omah Lay. It is therefore not surprising that these five (5) hit songs of MohBad encapsulate the late artiste’s albeit shortlived artistry and life.

Feel Good

MohBad’s song Feel Good has a captivating Afrobeat groove that captures the message of victory and joy. It became his best-performing song ever released on Marlian Records after his passing this year. The song tells a tale about overcoming challenges and appreciating life’s pleasures. The song serves as a monument to MohBad’s fortitude and capacity for joy in the face of difficulty.

Ponmo

From MohBad’s first studio album, Light, the upbeat 2020 smash song Ponmo, starring Naira Marley and Lil Kesh, has lighthearted and seductive lyrics that center on the appeal of a woman. The song is a mix of humor and risqué references, emphasizing the playful nature of the song, with the artistes boasting about their attractiveness and appeal to women while celebrating a vibrant and care-free lifestyle.

KPK (Ko Por Ke)

One of MohBad’s best songs, KPK (Ko Por Ke) is a celebration of the vibrant and resilient spirit of the streets. The tune captures the essence of Marlian culture with its catchy rhythm and defiant lyrics. It serves as evidence of street music’s influence on Nigerian popular culture.

Ask About Me

Ask About Me is one of MohBad’s masterpieces with a message that serves as a bold proclamation of the artiste’s unwavering self-assurance and relentless determination. This song showcases a spirited and unapologetic attitude, making it a testament to the artiste’s strong presence and resilience in the music world.

Peace

Peace is an Afrobeats track that combines catchy melodies with introspective lyrics. It can be described as a reflection of the artiste’s journey through numerous encounters and challenges. The song throws light on themes of resilience, self-reflection, and the pursuit of inner peace amidst life’s challenges.